Special Olympics coming to Florence

Posted: Friday, Jun 7th, 2013

In every corner of the state, Special Olympics Oregon is changing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. Now it is Florence’s turn.

Special Olympics Oregon is expanding to Florence and invites all interested athletes and volunteers to attend an information session and athlete registration meeting at the Siuslaw Public Library on Tuesday, June 25, at 7 p.m., announced local sports manager and head coach Linda Stent.

“Ted and Kristi Barker, local program coordinators for Eugene and Springfield Special Olympics, and Janet Capetty, senior vice president of field services for Special Olympics Oregon, will provide information on this exciting venture in our area,” stated Stent.

Bowling will be the first Special Olympics sport organized in the Florence area, with practices to be held on Tuesdays, 4 to 6 p.m., commencing on Tuesday, Sept. 3.

Anyone who has been identified as having an intellectual or cognitive disability by a medical professional is eligible to be involved in Special Olympics. Athletes must be at least 8 years old to compete. Athletes may participate in practices at age 6. There is no upper age limit.